Spanish Futsal Needs VAR Now, Not Excuses
In Spanish futsal, the beautiful game played at lightning speed within the confines of indoor courts, a controversy is brewing. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has failed once again to implement video assistant referee (VAR) technology in its top leagues, hiding behind an outrageous pricing scheme that places the financial burden on clubs rather than the federation itself.
Despite implementing VAR technology in cup competitions since 2018, the RFEF has consistently avoided making this crucial officiating tool available for regular league matches. This summer, they finally extended an offer to clubs—pay €33,000 each for a “low-cost” version of the system or continue without technological assistance for referees.
The timing couldn’t have been worse—the proposal came just weeks before the season began, when club budgets were already set. The logistics presented another barrier, as most clubs don’t own their venues and would need municipal approvals to install the necessary cameras.
all about the money
This is not how a professional sports organization should function. The RFEF boasts an €18 million budget for futsal yet refuses to properly invest in the infrastructure needed for fair competition. Instead, they’ve created a convenient excuse by making an offer they knew clubs would reject.
Nineteen supporter groups recently issued an unprecedented joint statement demanding VAR implementation. Players continue to face game-changing decisions without the safety net of video review. Just last week, Noia Portus Apostoli player Rubi received a red card in a crucial match—a decision that might have been overturned with video review.
Spanish futsal stands among the world’s premier leagues, producing champions in international competitions and developing world-class talent. Its players, coaches, clubs, and especially its passionate fans deserve better than this institutional neglect.
The solution is simple: The RFEF must stop passing the buck and fulfill its responsibility as the governing body by funding and implementing VAR across all top-tier futsal competitions. The technology exists, the need is clear, and the money is there. What’s missing is the will to do what’s right for the sport.
